Code Of Conduct

The Club Philosophy

The Club is a membership organization which exists to encourage the responsible enjoyment of the UK’s wonderful mountain and moorland scenery by walking in the company of fellow members with a shared love of the countryside. It is entirely dependent on the voluntary efforts and participation of its committee members, walk secretaries, and designated walk leaders. It is not a commercial organisation and is non-profit making.

Despite all reasonable precautions, very occasionally, accidents can and do occur. Membership therefore is accepted on the condition that the member accepts that he/she participates in the Club’s walks and activities entirely at their own risk. This is a fundamental condition of membership.

The Club’s Codes

1) The Club will conduct its walks taking all reasonable measures for the safety and well¬being of its members but no responsibility or liability shall be accepted by the Club, its committee, its officers, or its walk leaders for loss, injury, death, or damage sustained by members or guests during walks or other Club activities.

2) Walks shall be conducted with due economy and shall not normally exceed a reasonable distance, as indicated in the walks programme. Occasionally, variations from the indicated distance may occur for a variety of reasons beyond the control of the Club and the discretion of the leader.

3) Members are required to observe the guidance of the designated leader and the provisions of the Countryside Code (2004)

4) All walkers must be adequately prepared and equipped for the weather and ground conditions. Designated leaders have the right to refuse the participation of a member or guest, if there are concerns about an individual’s fitness, clothes or equipment.

5) The function of the designated leader, without liability, is to ensure the enjoyment and well-being of the group. The leader has ultimate discretion within this Code to make all key decisions affecting the walk, including modifying the route or terminating the walk in adverse weather or ground conditions.

6) Each member is individually responsible for his / her own safety and for acting in a responsible manner to diminish the risk of accident or injury to themselves and other members of the party. He/she must keep with the party and follow the directions of the designated leader.

7) All leaders should ensure they nominate a deputy leader who will be able to take over the walk should this become necessary.

8) The Club has a Public Liability Insurance Policy. This covers damage to other people’s property such as farmers’ walls, livestock, etc. It does not cover personal accident, death, injury, or loss which might be incurred by members during a walk. The Club and its leaders cannot be held responsible for members’ own actions.

9) Leaders of the Club’s walks are strongly recommended to carry the following emergency equipment: – compass, map of the planned route, whistle, torch, mobile phone, survival bag, first aid kit. It is particularly important that these items are available on any walks across difficult terrain (e.g. moorland, fell or mountain) or at a distance from public roads.

10) Whilst accidents, serious injury, or other serious incidents are rare occurrences, if an accident occurs on a walk, the whole party must stop to assess the situation. Then if an injured member can walk or be assisted, two members, preferably including a man, should take the shortest return route (for which a map should be available). To minimize delay, members with mobile phones are asked to carry phones on walks. The Club will reimburse costs, where necessary. (In many remote parts of the countryside mobile phones may be inoperative and delays in getting skilled help to the scene of the incident may be unavoidable).

11) To contribute to diminishing road congestion and environmental pollution members are encouraged to share car transport, wherever possible and, if appropriate, share petrol costs. The Club is encouraging the planning of more walks that can be accessed easily by public transport.

12) Minors (below the age of 18 years) are permitted to participate in the Club’s walks at the sole discretion of the designated leader. It is also a condition that all such young persons are competent walkers, properly equipped, and accompanied by a parent, grandparent, guardian, or other responsible person who is a Club Member, and who is willing to accept personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of the minor(s) included in the party.

13) Members and guests are not allowed to bring dogs on walks. Subject to the permission of the designated leader, members or guests requiring the assistance of a Guide Dog may be permitted to join a walk.

14) New members are normally expected to contribute to the Club’s walk schedule after walking with the club for 12 months. The walks secretaries will offer new members practical support and assistance in selecting and reconnoitering walks and developing other leadership skills.

Bolton HF Walking Club

Bolton HF Walking Club was established in 1922 and currently has around 400 members, the majority living in Bolton and surrounding areas.